4/25/24 Macomb Township Chronicle

New coach, new outlook for Dakota softball/3A

Dakota drumline snags second state championship

MACOMB TOWNSHIP —

Another year, another historic victory for the Dakota High School drumline.

After grabbing the Michigan Alliance for the Performing Arts Percussion Scholastic A Championship for the first time in 2023, the team repeated the feat to claim 2024’s Class A championship at Eastern Michigan University on April 14.

“It was a different experience than last year,” Kurt Reyes, Dakota drumline director, said. “I’ll never forget last year because that was our first one. Going into this year, my heart was still pounding. I’m sure everyone’s heart was pounding out of their chest.”

Coming off last year’s victory and competing in the semifinals at the Winter Guard International World Championships, getting back to the top was not as simple as doing the same things over again. The administrative path for state finals qualification was the same

See DRUMLINE on page 13A

COMMUNITY REMEMBERS FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST WERNER SPITZ

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — From testify-

ing at the O.J. Simpson civil case in 1996 to offering his perspective in the Chappaquiddick incident that involved Ted Kennedy

and Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, Werner Spitz was widely known for providing his expertise on the witness stand.

The prominent forensic pathologist was sought after in the court system for his knowl-

See SPITZ on page 11A

Photo provided by Kurt Reyes

The Dakota High School drumline poses with medals and a victory banner after winning the Michigan Alliance for the Performing Arts Percussion Scholastic A Championship at Eastern Michigan University on April 14. It is the program’s second MAPA championship after winning last year’s title.

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BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — The wait is over. Around four months after its prior director left, the Anton Art Center announced on April 5 that Matt Matthews was selected to serve as the new executive director.

“So far it’s been great,” Matthews said, about a week after he began the role on April 2. “(I’m) learning a lot and have a wonderful team to work with.”

Matthews comes to the Anton Art Center after spending the last five years as the associate director of Playworks Michigan, an organization that aims to increase physical activity opportunities for elementary school students.

Anton Art Center announces new director

“After college I worked at Northwest Missouri State University for several years, moved back to Michigan in 2010 and sort of fell into nonprofit work, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 14 years,” Matthews said.

The 14 years of nonprofit work was only part of what set him apart from other candidates for the role, according to Peggy DiMercurio, the Anton Art Center’s education & community engagement manager.

“His vibrancy, his energy, all the work he had done with other nonprofits and his ability to be able to transfer what he was doing right to the art center and really hit the ground running and be able to reach out to the community to help us

See ART DIRECTOR on page 12A

New coach, new outlook for Dakota

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb

Dakota softball has always prided itself on its unity.

They want to be the most energetic, the loudest, and the team that showcases chem-

istry better than anyone else on and off the field.

“I feel like our energy is different,” senior Gracie Maloney said. “We bring a different energy to almost every game we play. Nobody can keep up with our energy. We’re a very loud and energetic team, and that just carries on in

See SOFTBALL on page 8A

New Anton Art Center Executive Director Matt Matthews, left, stands with education & community engagement manager Peggy DiMercurio.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

Macomb Dakota senior Gracie Maloney pitches during a matchup against Utica Ford II on April 9 at Dakota High School.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Turkey vultures return as janitors of the sky

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MICHIGAN — When you get a moment, look up. Overhead, you may spot a group of large birds (or a single one) gliding around in circular patterns. From a distance, it may seem like a group of falcons or hawks or eagles but, more likely than not, it is a bunch of turkey vultures.

Spring is when turkey vultures make their way back to Michigan for the warmer months. Given these birds will be an ever-more common sight as the season goes on, there’s no better time to get to know the turkey vulture than when they’re moving in.

“A lot of people group (turkey vultures) with the birds of prey, but they aren’t birds of prey because they don’t eat live animals,” said Cathy Wesley, instructional guide and naturalist at the Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Township. “They eat carrion or dead things, and that tells you what their role is in the ecosystem.”

Serving as nature’s cleanup crew,

turkey vultures eat the dead animals left roadside or in the wild. They have evolved to exceptionally fill this role, developing a unique-among-birds sense of smell and a strong, super-acidic gut.

“The pH of their digestive system is less than one, so it doesn’t matter how rotten and bacteria-filled the meat is,” Wesley said. “After it passes through their digestive system, it actually kills all the bacteria and everything so when they defecate, the bacteria has been killed.”

Turkey vultures have an interesting relationship with hygiene. Their bald heads prevent messes while eating carrion and they have long talons to clean themselves once they’ve finished feasting. They also spend the hot months urinating on themselves to cool down, evaporating the heat away in much the same way that sweat works in humans. There’s also the creative ways turkey vultures utilize their vomit as both a territory marker and a defense mechanism of their ground-based nests.

“To help protect their nests, the adults will actually vomit around the nest

to keep predators away because it smells so bad,” Wesley said. “And also, the young, even before they can fly, are able to projectile vomit on any predators that come up to them.”

The craftiness of turkey vultures is not limited to weaponizing vomit. Turkey vultures have historically lived around more southern latitudes, but Wesley says they started making their way north as the nation’s highways were built.

“When the highways went in, that created more roadkill, which is what they eat.,” Wesley said.

Changing temperatures have also led to turkey vultures moving northwards, making them a common sight in the southeastern Michigan skies.

Though turkey vultures certainly do not have the most graceful appearance of any bird, they pose very little threat to humans and pets.

“Very, very, very occasionally they will eat something alive, and it’s usually something very small; more like rodents,” Wesley said. “But especially with

See VULTURES on page 5A

the

Photo by Dean Vaglia

A turkey vulture rests on a branch.

Vultures

from page 4A

abundance of carrion, they don’t pose a threat to pets at all.”

When not in the sky, humans tend to come across turkey vultures while they are eating on roadsides or resting on a perch. According to Dr. Kevin Smyth, a veterinarian specializing in raptors at Morrison Animal Hospital in Garden City, roadside encounters are usually where human-caused injuries to vultures occur.

“The most common ones we see are wing injuries, usually from automobiles, although I’ve had at least one that someone saw run into a power line,” Smyth said. “Some of them get shot.”

Smyth finds turkey vultures to be “cantankerous” birds to treat when they come in. They tend to bite and twist with their beaks and throw up in self-defense.

Other common human-related injuries to turkey vultures include poisoning from lead ammunition and pesticides.

If an injured turkey vulture (or any wild animal) is found, Smyth says to call a Michigan Department of Natural Resources licensed rehabilitator for the closest veterinarian to treat them.

As time goes on, Wesley expects more vultures will make their homes in the metro Detroit area.

“The population is increasing, and that’s because when you have more people, you have more cars and more roadkill,” Wesley said. “And again, more people mean more garbage, which means more animals going to the landfills, which again attracts turkey vultures.”

More than 29,000 turkey vultures were spotted migrating over the Detroit River in the fall of 2023. Increasing temperatures open the door for Michigan and other northern latitudes to become year-round homes for turkey vultures, though increasing spring temperatures could make it too hot for vultures to lay eggs and raise young birds in Michigan.

For now, turkey vultures can be expected to remain a staple of summer skies and roadsides, cleaning up any mess that is left behind.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

CMPL hosts May events

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Librarians wish The Force to be with you with activities planned for May 4 at the Main Branch, located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, guests can stop in for a free comic book while supplies last, while participating in any of the crafts and video games set up for a “May the Fourth Be With You” celebration of comics and “Star Wars.” A class will be held at 11 a.m. to teach children how to draw their own comic books. No registration is required.

Other events include the Living Well at CMPL event on Thursday, May 9 at the Main Branch. This event for people 55 years and older will see vendors come through from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. to share ways to make the most out of senior living.

On Wednesday, May 22, master gardener

Cheryl English will visit the North Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss how to incorporate native wildflowers into gardens. The North Branch is located at 54100 Broughton Road.

Visit cmpl.libnet.info/events for more events and registration.

Selfridge Museum hosting veterans’ weekend

HARRISON TOWNSHIP— The Selfridge Military Air Museum invites guests to honor U.S. military veterans during its 2024 Veterans Weekend May 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Exhibits will offer a look into military service over the years, including historic military impressions and a stop of the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall, presented by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154. Military vehicles from over the years will be on display in addition to more than 30 planes kept on static display in the Air Park. Food will be provided by National Coney Island, Mission BBQ, Texas Roadhouse, Faygo beverages and Better Made Potato Chips.

Base access and museum admission is required. For more details visit selfridgeairmuseum.org.

CARS AND COFFEE ON THE CONCOURSE

PONTIAC — The public is cordially invited to the Cars and Coffee event at 8 a.m. May 4 at the M1 Concourse.

The event will feature Japanese and Asian manufactured vehicles. It is free to attend, and all ages are welcome. Complimentary coffee will be offered.

The M1 Concourse is an 87-acre property that features a 28,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art event complex, a 1.5-mile closed track, 255 private garages, and a full schedule of signature events.

The M1 Concourse is located at 1 Concourse Drive in Pontiac. For more information, visit m1concourse.com or call (248) 326-9999.

MACOMB CHAMBER HOSTING ATHENA AWARDS

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Macomb Foundation, an affiliate of the Macomb County Chamber, will host the 25th annual Athena Awards on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Andiamo Warren, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road.

The awards aim to highlight women that have achieved business success and served the Macomb County community in meaningful ways. A record number of 17 nominees will vie for the award, each of them being highlighted throughout the ceremony.

“Each year, the caliber of individuals nominated is extremely impressive,” said Kelley Lovati, CEO and President of the Macomb County Chamber and Macomb Foundation, in a press release. “Thank you to the award selection committee, which had the challenging task of selecting this year’s recipient. Each of these nominees is deserving of this honor, and we look forward to celebrating them at the event.”

Tickets to the Athena Awards can be bought though mccbiz.macombcountychamber.com/events. Contact events@macombcountychamber.com for more information.

Turning

to host dancing fundraiser

MOUNT CLEMENS — In order to support its goal of empowering domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking survivors, Turning Point is hosting its eighth annual Stepping Out with the Stars fundraiser.

Set to be emceed by Jessica Dupnack of Fox 2 Detroit, community leaders like Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel will take to the dance floor at The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave., in Shelby Township, on the evening of Thursday, May 2. “We look forward to gathering again with Turning Point supporters who advocate for our mission,” said Sharman Davenport, Turning Point president and CEO, in a press release. “With hundreds of people in the room, it is a great opportunity to get the word out about our important services and to meet and support some of the survivors we assist.”

Individual tickets are $125. For more information, visit the events page at turningpointmacomb.org.

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Softball

from page 3A

the field and hittingwise. I feel like not very many teams bring the energy we start off with.”

With Dan Vitale at the helm for the past five seasons, the emphasis was on being a family and honoring the culture of the program that all Dakota teams strive for.

Tallying a 93-18-1 record, three straight Macomb Area Conference Red titles, three straight district championships, two regional titles, and a runner-up finish in 2022, it’s safe to say Vitale succeeded.

But following an underwhelming season by the program’s standards last year, falling in the regional championship, and with Vitale now the head coach at the University of Detroit Mercy, the spotlight is on first-year head coach Shelby Weeks to lead the Cougars.

“It’s been good,” Weeks said. “First year, it’s just a lot of changes and a lot of different outlooks on things. We’re just trying to transition into taking the lead and developing a good strategy for each team.”

Weeks served as an assistant coach under Vitale last season and has been the freshman basketball coach at Dakota since 2019 while also

teaching physical education at the high school. A standout softball player at Warren Woods Tower, Weeks played collegiately at Saginaw Valley State University from 2013 to 2016.

Playing the sport at all different levels, Maloney said the practices have a different feel to them this season.

“I feel practices have been really intense this year,” Maloney said. “We’re really focused now. Last year, we had some fun days. This year, we’re really focused on what we’re doing.”

Maloney, who primarily controlled the shortstop position last year, will be the Cougars ace in the rotation alongside senior Hannah Palmer and sophomores Brooke Cahill and Maddie Guthrie.

Maloney showed last season that she can be a top-end rotation arm, striking out 21 in a win over Grosse Pointe North.

The only thing stopping her was the talented arms Dakota already possessed with Megan Nuechterlein, now playing at Kent State University, and Alyssa Balcom, now playing at Oakland University.

Now, it’s Maloney’s time to be the leader, and she said it took a minute to adjust to her new role.

“I wasn’t the starting pitcher last year, and this year I am,” Maloney said. “I have to take on a whole position role. I was a shortstop last year and now I’m a pitcher, so now I kind of take control of

Photo by Erin Sanchez

The Macomb Dakota dugout cheers on teammates.

See SOFTBALL on page 9A

Softball

the ball and the game now and pace the game for our whole team. That’s different for me.”

Luckily for the Cougars pitching staff, the defensive unit has been impressive so far with a bunch of new names and faces.

Junior Kasey Ross, junior Annika Sylver, junior Brooke Gaffke, junior Julia Nowicki, junior Katie Rusher, and sophomore Kiley Phelan lead the infield unit with senior Bella Crager behind the plate.

Crager is everything as advertised behind the plate with a great arm and a strong knowledge for the game. With a younger infield, communication is key, and Crager said the newcomers are adjusting well.

“We basically graduated our whole entire infield, so I feel like our defense has been really good for just all new players at the position,” Crager said. “For the players that have moved up from JV, they’re showing up and showing us what they can do.”

Senior Allison Fluker, senior Julia Sandles, senior Alexa Yaklin, and junior Jenna Higgins are expected to cover the Dakota outfield.

Offensively, senior Sidnee Puffpaff, a utility player defensively, has been a force at the plate with Sandles, a lefty hitter, providing speed on the base path and Phelan bringing the power.

Dakota can hit from top to bottom with any player possessing the ability to provide a boost offensively, but Dakota’s play on the field wasn’t what kept them from succeeding last year.

Coming off a trip to the state finals in 2022, rankings and the thought of making it to East Lansing took over the team’s mindset.

“That year, we were ranked No. 1 the whole entire year from start to finish, so I feel like we just went in there thinking we could just walk right through anyone because we were No. 1 in the state,” Maloney said.

“We were thinking state finals the whole time and not going at it one at a time instead of not taking every game for granted,” Crager said.

Currently 4-1 and 2-0 in league play, the goal of continuing its MAC Red reign is still a priority, along with their streak of district titles, but Dakota is taking everything one game at a time.

Under Weeks, the feeling of family is something that runs through the team’s veins between team sleepovers and team dinners, but the mental part of softball will be a major point of emphasis.

“We’re really getting better at the mental side of the game,” Weeks said. “I think we’re really honing in on what we say to ourselves, our approaches, what we’re doing in our head and what we’re saying to ourselves in our head, and how we’re getting prepared for games and how we’re getting prepared for practices. That’s been a key factor we’ve been trying to get everyone to buy into.”

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

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Spitz

from page 1A

edge in forensic evidence and his testimony regarding many high-profile murders that drew public interest and media attention.

The longtime chief medical examiner — who performed or supervised more than 60,000 autopsies during his career — died April 14 at the age of 97. He was a resident of Grosse Pointe Shores. Many in the community are remembering the well-known forensic expert.

Warren City Council member Mindy Moore felt “very sad” when she learned Spitz died. Moore, a freelance court reporter, has known Spitz since the late 1970s when he was the chief Wayne County medical examiner. She was present for many depositions he provided over the years.

“What an icon he was. He was quite brilliant and so effective,” she said. “He had a way about him. His whole career was fascinating. When he spoke, all eyes were on him. You knew what he would say would be impactful and very important. He certainly was one of a kind.”

Sometimes the evidence presented in court could be very technical, and Moore said Spitz was always able to explain it “so

any lay person could understand him.” One deposition that stands out was the time the forensics expert testified in a case to determine whether a man committed suicide or was murdered. With the unloaded firearm in his hand, the pathologist laid on the floor to demonstrate that the deceased man could not have killed himself at the particular angle in which he died.

Despite the gruesome work he did, Moore, at times, saw the medical examiner in another light.

“He had a really good sense of humor,” she said.

According to his resume, Spitz practiced forensic pathology for more than 50 years. He was the chief medical examiner in Wayne County from 1972-88 and in Macomb County from 1972-2004. He also served as a deputy chief medical examiner in Maryland.

He received his medical training at the Geneva University Medical School in Switzerland and the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem. His resume states he was an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University, and that he worked for the Department of Legal Medicine at the University School of Medicine in West Berlin.

See SPITZ on page 12A

Photo provided by Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University Dr. Werner Spitz was for many years the chief medical examiner in both Wayne and Macomb counties. He died April 14 at the age of 97.

Art director

from page 3A

build our presence even further,” DiMercurio said. “He was really looking for a place to call home that was mission-based, and the Anton Art Center is very mission-based.”

It is still early in Matthews’ tenure at the Anton Art Center and much of his time so far has been spent getting used to the center and learning the Mount Clemens community, but he plans to capitalize on opportunities once settled.

“There is so much opportunity for the art center to be a center and a hub of art and culture in Macomb County and in southeastern Michigan, and we’re excited to bring folks in some different ways and share this space in different ways with folks in the community that have not had an opportunity to experience the Anton Art Center,” Matthews said.

The first exhibition Matthews will open is the Macomb County Biennial Primary Student Show, which will showcase the works of Macomb County primary school students from April 27 to June 1.

Matthews took over the executive director position after Phil Gilchrist left for a similar opportunity at Advancing Macomb in December 2023. Gilchrist worked with the Anton Art Center for 14 years, serving as executive director for eight. DiMercurio served as the interim director while the center’s board of trustees searched for a new executive director.

Spitz

from page 11A

Throughout his lifetime, Spitz served on various committees investigating the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. He testified at various trials in the U.S. and Canada including the “Preppy Murder” in New York, the talk show host Jenny Jones case, the Crown vs. Truscott in Toronto, music producer Phil Spector’s murder trial and the Casey Anthony murder case. He also consulted with the police in Boulder, Colorado, about the death of JonBenét Ramsey.

Steve Bieda, a 37th District Court judge in Warren, recalled how when he was in the Michigan Legislature as a state representative and senator, the elected officials often contacted Spitz for advice regarding criminal justice issues.

“He was highly regarded and would be asked to weigh his opinions based on his expertise,” Bieda said. “He was iconic in the sense of high-profile crime.”

On a personal level, Bieda followed Spitz’s work on the Oakland County child killer case in the 1970s and his work related to President Kennedy’s death.

“He was a fascinating individual and very charismatic,” Bieda said.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel met Spitz in 1981 when he worked as a dispatcher on the midnight shift for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. On his first night, Hackel took a call from a Macomb Township man who reported that his neighbor killed his wife and children. But the caller “was the guy that did it,” Hackel said. “That’s when I first got to know Spitz, who left an impression.”

“He was the guy that could tell you what happened just by looking at the body,” Hackel said. “He tried to put himself in their place. He wanted to know the circumstances of how they died. I don’t know of a time when he wasn’t spot on.”

Hackel said many law enforcement officers he worked with over the years were interested in what Spitz had to offer. Hackel said Spitz was always kind when speaking to families of the victims.

“I am so sad about his loss, but I am fortunate to have known him,” Hackel said. “He was the forefather of pathology. I don’t know if you will see another like that.”

During his career, Spitz taught at

different colleges, including pathology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

“He was a great teacher and a huge contributor to the field of pathology and forensics,” said Dr. Wael Sakr, dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “He had a huge presence and was a consultant on many big profile cases across the country. Before I knew him, I had a lot of admiration toward him.”

Spitz returned to the school on occasion to present seminars to students.

“He was interested in human life and, sadly, was trying to solve death, particularly in trauma, accidents, homicides and burns,” Sakr said. “He had a love for the discipline in what he did and was meticulous in his approach.”

Sakr will definitely feel his loss.

“I enjoyed his friendship and his support for the department,” Sakr said.

Spitz’s legacy includes the nearly 100 scientific publications he authored, the Dean’s Award for service to the Medicolegal Community and Wayne State University of Medicine, awards from Wayne County and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for outstanding service, and from various police departments and the FBI.

Drumline

from page 1A

— signing up and competing in two regular season tournaments gets a team invited to the championships — but a whole new roster of students meant success could not be taken for granted. Expectations were set by the 2023 team, and it was up to the 2024 squad to meet them.

“I felt pressured at first just to be able to put everything in,” Jason Daniels, a 10th grade quads percussionist, said. “I didn’t want to feel responsible — I wouldn’t be, obviously — but I didn’t want to feel responsible if we got second place or something. I would feel so bad about that, just going back down from state championship status to not state champions. And it’s not really the whole important part of the activity, it’s just to enjoy yourself and have fun with other people, but I really felt motivated to work towards getting state championships again just so we can build that record that we want to establish here.”

Meeting the expectations of the 2023 team was a guiding motivation of many of the program’s members, such as 11th grader Spencer Brong. Stepping up from playing the vibraphone to the marimba, Brong’s goal of matching and surpassing last year’s

marimba players drove him to improve over the season.

“It was always kind of a back and forth,” Brong said. “You never want to get too comfortable where you’re at. We could just be like, ‘Oh, we won state championships last year, it’ll come again, we can just do it the same way, it will come the same way,’ but everyone is upping their game. There’s always another thing you can do.”

Just as the students worked to improve their roles in the performance, the directorial staff worked to improve its end of the team.

“Me and the assistant director really spent a lot of time watching the national champions in our class and we were trying to figure out what is the formula to be successful in our class at the national level,” Reyes said. “We took a lot of notes. We saw what kind of features they had, whether it was a visual feature or a music feature, how did they incorporate that into the show. We also refined our storytelling process, making sure the process of telling our story, right off the bat, people will get it.”

Dakota percussionists took the top spot in events at Milford and Lakeland on the back of a routine highlighting the innate power of creativity.

“Our theme this year is called ‘Within the Marble,’ and pretty much it’s based on anything you can think of is already in a

Drumline

from page 13A

marble block. It’s a sculptor’s job to free it,” Reyes said. “You can think of anything that you want. It’s already there, you just have to sculpt it.”

The championships featured a repeat of last year’s runners-up, Hudsonville High School, with Dakota winning with 85.98 points over Hudsonville’s 84.75 points. But as dramatic as the onstage action can get, nothing could match the drama of watching the results get announced.

“I told Thomas (Wharton), our assistant percussion director, that I was feeling sick when they were announcing fifth place, like is that going to be us?” Reyes said. “And then they made a mistake. They announced third place and then they announced first place, so everyone was confused, and we were like, ‘Did we get second or first?’ And then the announcer corrected himself and said the second-place group.”

Now with two titles in as many years, the future is wide open for the Dakota drumline. Reyes says the goal now is to make it into the Winter Guard International finals, an improvement over 2023’s results, and to keep making finals on a regular basis.

“There’s independent groups like Rhythm X or Pulse that know they’re making finals,” Reyes said. “I want us to be one of those groups. Once we’re consistent on making finals, perhaps we move on up to the next class, which is Percussion Scholastic Open.”

Even with judges urging the team to make the step up, Reyes has much to consider before declaring the team ready for Open Class.

“I’ve been in the activity for so long. I’ve been at Dakota for so long that I can kind of see where we’re at,” Ryes said. “Right now, we’re making steady progress, which is good. I just want to make sure that we don’t jump the gun into Open Class when we’re not consistently making the A Class finals yet. Plus, it could be a hit to the morale of the

kids if they go from being state champions to always getting last place.”

Open to everyone from seniors to middle schoolers, the Dakota drumline has been a memorable part of its members’ high school journeys. Nia Chua, a ninth grade snare player, joined the program while in middle school after her brother was a member.

“Being in drumline has actually impacted my life a lot,” Chua said. “When I was in seventh grade, being introduced and exposed to a high school environment taught me life skills that will help me along the way. I was very welcomed by the upperclassmen that season and it helped me get a good start to high school.”

Coster Fairman, an outgoing senior marimba player, says his time in drumline has given him a lifelong interest in music.

“I think I want to be some sort of performing artist in some way,” Fairman said. “I’m still on the fence about if I want to continue competitive drumline after high school — there’s a lot of factors that go into that — but being a part of this group for so long has ingrained into me that whatever I do, I always want music to be a part of it somehow.”

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• PCOS/PMS

Seminar Dinner will be held at:

All of us are getting older and we are told to accept the inevitable challenges that come with age. Aging does not have to be a punishment for a youth well lived. I am here to tell you that there is a better way. There are resources and treatments to improve quality of life as we age. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy can restore youthful vigor and slow down disease processes associated with age. This results in a life fully in our control. There is no time like the present to invest in yourself. No one has ever regretted investing in their own health.

- Rachel Kennedy FNP- BHRT- Hormone Specialist

Velocity Center, 6633 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 469-5675

APRIL 27

‘Freedom Confirmed’: Talk about “President Abraham Lincoln’s Courage to Create Change” and performance by 5th Michigan Regiment Band, Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com

Utica Puppy Parade: Also food truck, vendors, bounce houses for kids and more, 2-4 p.m., starts at Grant Park and ends at Pioneer Dog Park in Utica, cityofutica.org

MAY 2

Stepping Out with the Stars: Fundraiser for Turning Point, features community members performing dance routines after training with professionals, also survivor speaker, dinner, premium open bar, silent auction, raffles and wine pull, emcee by Fox 2 Detroit’s Jessica Dupnack, 5:30-11 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, www.turningpoint macomb.org

MAY 5 North Oakland Mopar Muscle: Car show and swap meet, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, www.packardproving grounds.org

MAY 11-12

Utica Antiques Market: 8-5 p.m. May 11 and 8-4 p.m. May 12, also July 13-14 and Sept. 7-8, Knights of Columbus Grounds, 11541 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, uticaantiques.com

MAY 22

Native wildflowers for woodland gardens: Hear from master gardener, 6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, registration required, (586) 2265083, cmpl.org

MAY 28-30

1931 Packard Salon Special Showing: Vehicle photoshoots, site tours, dinner and visits to other local automotive attractions, Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, see times at more details at packardprovinggrounds.org

ONGOING

Garden art sale: Open May 9-Sept. 2, Schramm’s Farm, 21701 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township, all proceeds benefit Macomb Charitable Foundation

Ostomy peer support group: 2-3 p.m. every third Sunday of month, Northside Church, 25600 23 Mile Road in Chesterfield Township, ostomysupport-macomb.org

Macomb Motivators Toastmasters Club: Meets 6:308 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, St. Isidore Church, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, www.6104644.toastmastersclubs.org

Men overcoming loss of partner/spouse: Meetings 6-7:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, virtual and in person, Hospice of Michigan, 39531 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, wlawton@hom.org

Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10 a.m. every fourth Monday of month, Amore’s Grill, 53100 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536

Bereaved Parents of Macomb Support Group: Meets 7-9 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Washington Senior Center, 57880 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, neilflyer@yahoo.com, (248) 425-2999

Washington Art Guild: Learn about art, listen to demonstrators and speakers, practice art in workshops, and exchange ideas, meets 6:30-9 p.m. every first Monday of month, Romeo Community Center, 361 Morton St., washington-art-guild.homestead.com

Health workshops: For chronic pain, high blood pressure and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups To view more